BEER O’CLOCK?

Try These Places Along the Coast

Beach, sea and a drink in hand while watching the sun set over the Atlantic.

Summer in Namibia is synonymous with hot days, December holidays and of course going for a drink to either fight off the heat, accompany the stunning sunsets or purely to relax with good friends. While this list features some excellent bars and restaurants it is by no means extensive and will hopefully lead you to discover your own favourite local hangouts and dives. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to visit for a lekker cold beer.

SOUND GARDEN

The new kid on the block in Swakopmund, Sound Garden, opened its doors in September with the idea to create a vibey local hangout. With live music three times a week, there is always a groove. The beer on tap is always cold and includes not only the local favourite, Hansa Draught, but also draught beer from Swakop brewery Namib Dunes as well as a selection of Namibian spirits and an appealing choice of wines. Families are welcome – the play area will keep the kiddies busy while the adults knock back a couple. Sound Garden is located in the Old Laundry in Swakop Street.

FACHWERK BIERGARTEN

For a Bavarian-style beer house experience head to Fachwerk Biergarten in the heart of Swakopmund. Apart from the traditional decor, the historic Fachwerkhaus built in 1899 adds to the authentic Biergarten experience. The best seating is on the sidewalk where one can people-watch and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the coastal town, but the cosy interior is perfect for the colder days. Seating at the back of the premises has ample space for larger groups or more intimate occasions. Enjoy some of the original Bavarian delicacies, drink a beer or two and enjoy the jovial atmosphere.

THE TUG

Want to have a drink on a boat without the risk of getting sea-sick? The Tug Restaurant incorporates the original Danie Hugo tugboat that was built in Scotland in the late 1950s and now stands on solid ground next to the entrance to the Swakopmund Jetty. Apart from great views of the jetty and the ocean, the locally sourced seafood is always a winner. For the authentic experience have a drink in the bar which was the bridge of the Danie Hugo.

TIGER REEF BEACH BAR & GRILL

Beach, sea and a drink in hand while watching the sun set over the Atlantic. Tiger Reef with its deck right on the beach is the perfect spot for those lazy summer days. Parents can enjoy a bite to eat while the kids swim or play in the sand. Dog parents can bring their four-legged children to frolic on the beach with other dogs while congratulating themselves on better life choices.

BREWER AND BUTCHER

Any restaurant that brews its own beer is worth visiting. The Brewer and Butcher is no exception. Set around shiny copper tanks in which the restaurant’s beer is brewed, the layout evokes the feeling of an oldeworld beer hall, but with a modern twist. The house beer is brewed by the Swakopmund Brewing Company and the fusion of Namibian and German cuisine never disappoints.

THE RAFT

Built on stilts in the water, with large windows and solid wooden floors constructed from old timber, The Raft is the perfect place from where to experience the Walvis Bay Lagoon. Being one of Namibia’s Ramsar sites, the birdlife that includes cormorants, pelicans and most famously flamingos, is best enjoyed with a fresh breeze, good company and a cold one in hand.

ROJO PUB & RESTAURANT

Situated at the Walvis Bay Yacht Club with stunning views and a small white beach in front where the kiddies can play, it is hard to imagine that Rojo Pub & Restaurant is part of an industrial harbour town. Ice cold drinks are a matter of course in this ideal setting, but this restaurant is also a hidden culinary gem.

WINDPOMP 14

Windpomp 14 is set 25 kilometres outside Swakopmund towards Henties Bay. It’s proximity to the beach and its location within Dorob National Park makes it the ideal last stop when returning from a day trip into the park, after a day’s angling or just as a little outing on its own. The eclectic restaurant and bar attract all kinds of characters, which makes every visit an excellent opportunity to meet new friends.

DE DUINE HOTEL

The ’angling capital’ of Namibia and extremely popular during summer, Henties Bay doesn’t actually boast too many places to knock back a couple. However, the centrally located De Duine Hotel has all the charm of an old school hotel as well as incredible ocean views. The diverse clientele is part of its attraction. You’ll rub shoulders with anyone from local holidaymakers and salty hobby-fishermen to slightly lost overseas tourists.

Le Roux van Schalkwyk